EP3195476B1 - Kapazitiver berührungssensor - Google Patents

Kapazitiver berührungssensor Download PDF

Info

Publication number
EP3195476B1
EP3195476B1 EP15840340.2A EP15840340A EP3195476B1 EP 3195476 B1 EP3195476 B1 EP 3195476B1 EP 15840340 A EP15840340 A EP 15840340A EP 3195476 B1 EP3195476 B1 EP 3195476B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
trace
capacitive touch
traces
carrier
electronic device
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Active
Application number
EP15840340.2A
Other languages
English (en)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP3195476A4 (de
EP3195476A1 (de
Inventor
Timothy Herbert Kyowski
Li Huang
Albert Murray Pegg
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
BlackBerry Ltd
Original Assignee
BlackBerry Ltd
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by BlackBerry Ltd filed Critical BlackBerry Ltd
Publication of EP3195476A1 publication Critical patent/EP3195476A1/de
Publication of EP3195476A4 publication Critical patent/EP3195476A4/de
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP3195476B1 publication Critical patent/EP3195476B1/de
Active legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

Links

Images

Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
    • G06F1/00—Details not covered by groups G06F3/00 - G06F13/00 and G06F21/00
    • G06F1/16—Constructional details or arrangements
    • G06F1/1613—Constructional details or arrangements for portable computers
    • G06F1/1626—Constructional details or arrangements for portable computers with a single-body enclosure integrating a flat display, e.g. Personal Digital Assistants [PDAs]
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
    • G06F1/00—Details not covered by groups G06F3/00 - G06F13/00 and G06F21/00
    • G06F1/16—Constructional details or arrangements
    • G06F1/1613—Constructional details or arrangements for portable computers
    • G06F1/1633—Constructional details or arrangements of portable computers not specific to the type of enclosures covered by groups G06F1/1615 - G06F1/1626
    • G06F1/1684—Constructional details or arrangements related to integrated I/O peripherals not covered by groups G06F1/1635 - G06F1/1675
    • G06F1/169—Constructional details or arrangements related to integrated I/O peripherals not covered by groups G06F1/1635 - G06F1/1675 the I/O peripheral being an integrated pointing device, e.g. trackball in the palm rest area, mini-joystick integrated between keyboard keys, touch pads or touch stripes
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
    • G06F3/00—Input arrangements for transferring data to be processed into a form capable of being handled by the computer; Output arrangements for transferring data from processing unit to output unit, e.g. interface arrangements
    • G06F3/01—Input arrangements or combined input and output arrangements for interaction between user and computer
    • G06F3/02—Input arrangements using manually operated switches, e.g. using keyboards or dials
    • G06F3/0202—Constructional details or processes of manufacture of the input device
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
    • G06F3/00—Input arrangements for transferring data to be processed into a form capable of being handled by the computer; Output arrangements for transferring data from processing unit to output unit, e.g. interface arrangements
    • G06F3/01—Input arrangements or combined input and output arrangements for interaction between user and computer
    • G06F3/03—Arrangements for converting the position or the displacement of a member into a coded form
    • G06F3/041—Digitisers, e.g. for touch screens or touch pads, characterised by the transducing means
    • G06F3/044—Digitisers, e.g. for touch screens or touch pads, characterised by the transducing means by capacitive means
    • G06F3/0446—Digitisers, e.g. for touch screens or touch pads, characterised by the transducing means by capacitive means using a grid-like structure of electrodes in at least two directions, e.g. using row and column electrodes
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H03—ELECTRONIC CIRCUITRY
    • H03K—PULSE TECHNIQUE
    • H03K17/00—Electronic switching or gating, i.e. not by contact-making and –breaking
    • H03K17/94—Electronic switching or gating, i.e. not by contact-making and –breaking characterised by the way in which the control signals are generated
    • H03K17/96—Touch switches
    • H03K17/962—Capacitive touch switches
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H03—ELECTRONIC CIRCUITRY
    • H03K—PULSE TECHNIQUE
    • H03K17/00—Electronic switching or gating, i.e. not by contact-making and –breaking
    • H03K17/94—Electronic switching or gating, i.e. not by contact-making and –breaking characterised by the way in which the control signals are generated
    • H03K17/96—Touch switches
    • H03K2017/9602—Touch switches characterised by the type or shape of the sensing electrodes

Definitions

  • Mechanical keyboards are commonly used to enter information in electronic devices. More recently, to save weight and reduce size, or maximize display area, many small electronic devices have switched to virtual keyboards displayed on a touch sensitive display, such as a capacitive display.
  • Capacitive touch sensors are used in many applications. For example, flat surfaces such as touch sensitive displays or touch pads are commonly used to provide user input to electronic devices such as computers, smartphones, and other electronic devices. A disadvantage of such devices is that, while they provide visual feedback of position, they fail to provide any tactile feedback to the user.
  • a capacitive sensing surface has been used beneath a mechanical tactile keyboard to provide a combination of touch input and key input to electronic devices.
  • a disadvantage of such an approach is that any spilled liquid or moisture on the keyboard will prevent operation of the capacitive sensing surface, and the presence of the keyboard prevents easy removal of the liquid.
  • a further disadvantage of this approach is that the touch sensitive surface is separated from the user by the keycaps which reduces both sensitivity and accuracy of touch detection.
  • US2013/038563 discloses an apparatus including a substrate and a touch sensor disposed on the substrate, the touch sensor comprising an active area that is configured to extend substantially out to at least two of the edges of the surface of the substrate.
  • JP2013/111804 discloses a hard coat film which is highly resistant to sliding caused by a pen or finger.
  • US2013/056243 discloses a structure for a flexible printed circuit integrated touch panel, wherein a transparent substrate including a flexible transparent film is provided, and a protruding extension part is integrally formed with the transparent substrate.
  • US2014/092322 discloses a touch panel including a transparent substrate and a touch module disposed thereon.
  • the touch module includes a first stack structure that includes a transparent carrying layer with an active area, an extending area, and a plurality of bending segments respectively connecting the active area and the extending area.
  • a patterned conductive layer has an electrode pattern area and a plurality of bonding pads that extend from the electrode pattern area are disposed on the active area.
  • a plurality of extending wires connect the bonding pads and extend to the extending area.
  • a capacitive touch sensor an input apparatus for an electronic device, and an electronic device according to the appended claims.
  • Capacitive touch sensors detect touch by measuring the capacitance at each addressable electrode. When a finger or a conductive stylus gets close to an electrode, it modifies the electromagnetic field and changes the capacitance. This change in capacitance can be measured and converted into X,Y locations used for the system to detect touch.
  • sensing methods self-capacitance and mutual capacitance.
  • Mutual capacitance determines the touch by measuring capacitance change between two electrodes, one in output mode (transmitter) and one in the return path (receiver).
  • Self-capacitance touch sensor measures capacitance change between the electrode and the ground.
  • a mechanical keyboard may be combined with a touch sensitive surface to provide both key and touch inputs to an electronic device.
  • a flexible printed circuit (FPC) with discrete traces may be positioned beneath the keys of a physical keyboard.
  • FPC flexible printed circuit
  • One disadvantage of such an approach is that when liquid resides on the top of the keycaps of the physical keyboard or in the gaps between the keys, operational of the touch sensitive surface is impaired. Since the presence of the keys makes it difficult to remove the liquid from the touch sensitive surface, a user of the electronic device has to wait until the liquid evaporates. Attempts to reduce the impact from water ingress include adding a thin rubber layer into touch surface/keyboard stack. However, in addition to increasing the thickness of the electronic device, this also increases manufacturing costs.
  • the present disclosure relates to a capacitive touch sensor for an electronic device that includes a trace carrier having a sensing surface and a connecting surface, a plurality of electrically conductive traces on the trace carrier and a capacitive sensing circuit operable to electrically couple to the traces at the connecting surface of the trace carrier, sense a capacitance change when a touch takes place.
  • Each trace forms a sensing pattern on the sensing surface and passes from the sensing surface to the connecting surface. If mutual capacitance touch sensing is used, the traces include at least one transmitting trace and at least one receiving trace.
  • the capacitive touch sensor may also include a connecting structure configured to contact the electrically conductive traces at the connecting surface of the trace carrier and provide an electrical connection between the capacitive sensing circuit and the electrically conductive traces.
  • the connecting structure may be, for example, a flexible printed circuit or a printed circuit board, wherein the trace carrier is mechanically coupled to the printed circuit.
  • the trace carrier may be constructed of a material amenable to Laser Direct Structuring, and the traces may be formed by a Laser Direct Structuring process.
  • a cover or a coating may be used to cover at least the sensing surface of the trace carrier.
  • the capacitive touch sensor may be used in an input apparatus for an electronic device.
  • the input apparatus includes a keyboard having one or more keycaps, a connecting structure underlying the keyboard, and one or more trace carriers located on the connecting structure adjacent the keycaps of the keyboard.
  • the trace carrier may be positioned such that a sensing surface of the trace carrier projects above the connecting structure and a connecting surface of trace support element engages the connecting structure to couple the traces to a capacitive sensing circuit
  • the keycaps may be arranged in rows, with the trace carrier configured as a fret and sized to fit between rows of keycaps.
  • the keycaps may be arranged in an array, with the trace carrier configured as a grid and sized to fit between rows and columns of keycaps.
  • the one or more keycaps may be a single button, with the trace carrier configured to surround the button.
  • the capacitive touch sensor may be used in an electronic device, with the trace carrier projecting from the surface of the electronic device or adjacent to keyboard keycaps of a keyboard of the electronic device.
  • FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic view of a capacitive touch sensitive element or in accordance with exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.
  • the touch sensitive element includes a trace carrier 100, first electrically conducting trace 102 and second electrically conducting trace 104.
  • a guide and assembling element 106 may be providing to facilitate accurate placement of the trace carrier 100 on base structure, and can make a rigid connection to base, such as heat staking.
  • the trace support element 100 has a sensing surface 108 configured to receive a user touch.
  • the combination of the trace support element 100 and the traces 102 and 104 form touch sensitive element 110
  • the trace carrier 100 is configured as a straight bar or fret.
  • the traces may be formed by various techniques. In one embodiment, for example, Laser Direct Structure (LDS) technology is used to create trace patterns on a plastic trace carrier. This approach enables the trace carrier to be molded into any shape.
  • LDS Laser Direct Structure
  • LDS technology uses a laser beam to create a trace pattern on the surface of 3-dimensional parts molded from an LDS resin. The process consists of molding, laser structuring to define the locations of the traces, and metallization to form the traces themselves. LDS technology enables 3-dimensional circuitry, in this case one or more traces, to be formed directly onto plastic components.
  • the trace carriers to be laser structured are produced using 1-shot injection molding of commercially available doped thermoplastic. After cleaning, the traces are built up additively in a metallization process. For example, the traces may be built up using an electroless copper bath.
  • the traces may be plated with nickel and flash gold.
  • Application-specific coatings such as Sn, Ag, Pd/Au, or organic solderability preservatives (OSP) for example, can be created.
  • OSP organic solderability preservatives
  • FIG. 2 is a diagrammatic view of the trace carrier 100 of FIG. 1 viewed from underneath.
  • the traces elements 102 and 104 extend from the sensing surface to a connecting surface 202 on the underside of the trace support element 100.
  • the traces on the connecting surface are arranged to facilitate electrical connection of the traces 102 and 104 to a capacitive sensing circuit.
  • top and bottom traces may be connected via through hole plating
  • the trace carrier 100 may be configured couple to an electronic device at the connecting surface, such that the sensing surface extends from the electronic device.
  • the trace carrier 100 supports a number of electrically conductive traces 102 and 104 on the sensing surface 108.
  • the traces may be arranged in various shapes or patterns. Each trace passes from the sensing surface 108, down the sides of the trace carrier, to the connecting surface (202 in FIG. 2 ) under the structure 100.
  • the trace carrier 100 may be to be mounted on a connecting structure 302 (such as flexible printed circuit, or printed circuit board, for example).
  • Guide element 106 may be passed through slot 304 in the connecting structure 302. This ensures that electrical connection pads 306 align with traces 102 and 104 on the connecting surface of the trace carrier 100, and to fix the trace structure to attached base.
  • the traces 102 and 104 pass from sensing surface 108 on one side of the trace carrier 100 to connection points on the opposite side of the structure.
  • the connection points align with the connection pads 306 to enable electrical connection to the capacitive sensing circuit.
  • the connecting structure 302 may be a printed circuit on which the capacitive sensing circuit is formed.
  • the connections to the printed circuit can be realized by various methods, such as AFC bonding, soldering or spring/Pogo pins, for example.
  • the connecting structure 302 contains a number of apertures that allow other elements, such as the keycaps of a mechanical keyboard, to pass through the connecting structure to actuate the metal domes. This is discussed in more detail below.
  • the trace carrier 100 may be mounted on the connecting structure 302 as shown in FIG. 4 .
  • the sensing surface 108 is raised from the surface of the connecting structure. This provides a tactile reference to the user, enabling the sensing surface to be located in poor visibility, and moves the sensing surface above any liquid or moisture that may be present on the surface of the connecting structure 302.
  • FIG. 5 is a block diagram of an electronic device 500 incorporating a capacitive touch sensor.
  • One or more touch sensitive elements 110 are mounted on connecting structure 302.
  • the connecting structure 302 provides connections 502 between the traces of the touch sensitive elements 110 and a capacitive sensing circuit 504.
  • the capacitive sensing circuit 504 may be connected via connection 506 to a device processor 508 of the electronic device.
  • the traces include both transmitting and receiving traces that are coupled, via the connecting structure 302, to the capacitive sensing circuit 504.
  • the capacitive sensing circuit 504 senses a capacitance between the transmitting trace and the receiving trace and determines a touch position on the sensing surface dependent upon the sensed capacitance.
  • the sensed touch position is passed to the device processor 508 and may be used to control operation of applications executed by the device processor or used to control peripheral devices of the electronic device 500.
  • the electronic device 500 will include other components such as clocks, memory, a display, power supply, and other peripheral devices. To aid clarity of description, such components are omitted from FIG. 5 .
  • the electronic device 500 may be, for example, a smartphone, a personal digital assistant, a handheld, mobile or desktop computer, a computer keyboard, a remote control handset, a telephone handset, a portable music player, an e-reader, a camera, or any other electronic device having a user-interface.
  • FIG. 6 is an exploded view of a touch sensitive mechanical keyboard 600, in accordance with exemplary embodiments of the disclosure.
  • the touch sensitive elements 110 take the form of frets.
  • Covers 602 overlay the sensing surface of frets to improve appearance and protect the traces.
  • the frets are configured to be positioned between the rows of keycaps 604 of a physical keyboard.
  • the keycaps engage switches, such as metal domes, on keypad 606.
  • the sensing surface of each fret may be used to track one or more user finger positions on the keyboard 600.
  • the connecting structure 302 enables the traces on the frets to be coupled to a capacitive sensing circuit (not shown).
  • the connecting structure 302 may include a flexible printed circuit (FPC), positioned below the keycaps 604, which provides an electrical connection to a capacitive sensing circuit located below the keyboard or at some other location in the electronic device.
  • the frets 110 are shaped to fit between the keycaps 604 and may be straight or curved, for example, depending on the arrangement of the keycaps. Additional or alternative frets may be positioned between columns of keys, if the keys are so arranged.
  • FIG. 7 is a simplified sectional view of a touch sensitive mechanical keyboard 600, in accordance with exemplary embodiments of the disclosure.
  • Touch sensitive elements 110 are located between keycaps 604 of a mechanical keyboard.
  • the keycaps engage key switches 702, such as metal domes for example, when pressed.
  • the key switches are mounted on keypad base 606.
  • the touch sensitive elements 110 are mounted on connecting structure 302 that provides an electrical connection between the traces of the touch sensitive elements 110 and a capacitive sensing circuit.
  • the guide elements 106 may continue through connecting structure 302 to the keypad base 606 to provide alignment of the components and rigid connection between 110 and any supportive structure underneath the keycaps.
  • Covers 602 overlay the sensing surface of frets to improve appearance and protect the traces.
  • the covers 602 may extend down the sides of trace support elements, as shown, or may cover only the sensing surface.
  • the covers 602 may be, for example, separate components, components molded onto the trace carrier after the traces have been formed, or coatings applied to the trace carrier after the traces have been formed.
  • FIG. 8 is a diagrammatic view of an electronic device having a touch sensitive mechanical keyboard, in accordance with exemplary embodiments of the disclosure.
  • the electronic device 500 which may be a smartphone, handheld computer, personal digital assistant, e-reader or the like, is operated by user 802.
  • the electronic device 500 has a display 804 and a touch sensitive mechanical keyboard with keycaps 604 and touch sensitive elements 110.
  • the touch sensitive elements 110 detect the position and/or motion of the user 802 as the user's digit moves across the keyboard, while the mechanical keyboard responds to key presses on keycaps 604.
  • a touch sensitive element 110' is located separate from the keyboard.
  • the touch sensitive elements 110' is located on a side of the electronic device 500 to provide 'slider like' functionality for controlling volume or scrolling menus, for example. Touch sensitive elements may be located at other locations on the electronic device.
  • FIG. 9 is a diagrammatic view of an electronic device having a capacitive touch sensor, in accordance with exemplary embodiments of the disclosure.
  • touch sensitive element 110 is located on the rear of electric device 500. So located, the touch sensitive element 110 is not visible to the user during normal operation of the electronic device. However, the touch sensitive element 110 is raised from the surface of the electronic device and may be located by touch. For example, a reader can scroll the content on the screen horizontally by sliding a digit along the element without changing their holding gesture, resulting in a more smooth experience.
  • FIG. 10 is a diagrammatic view of button with a touch sensitive surround, in accordance with exemplary embodiments of the disclosure.
  • the touch sensitive element 110 is circular in shape and surrounds a round button 1000, encompassing the circumference of round button 1000 as shown.
  • the touch sensitive element 110 may be used to navigate a menu while the button is used for selection. Other arrangements will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art.
  • the trace carrier may take the form of a grid, with an aperture for each key of a keypad or keyboard.
  • the touch sensitive element 110 comprises a grid that surrounds a numeric keypad with keycaps 604. A similar grid may be used with an alpha-numeric keyboard or other collections of keys.
  • FIG's 12-15 show example trace patterns, in accordance with exemplary embodiments of the disclosure.
  • the figures show first traces 102 and second traces 104, that may be transmitting and receiving traces, respectively.
  • the traces form plates of a capacitor. Positioning of an object, such as a user digit, close to the traces alters the capacitance. The change in capacitance may be monitored by a capacitance sensing circuit and used to determine the position of the object and/or motion of the object.
  • These trace patterns are merely exemplary, and other trace patterns may be used without departing from the present disclosure.
  • the traces are arrange in transmitting 102 and receiving 104 pairs the form electrodes of a capacitor.
  • the traces are used as transmitter/receiver pairs.
  • An advantage of the touch sensitive element in the above embodiments is that it provides a sensing surface that is raised above the surface beneath the keys and exposed to the user. Thus, any moisture, condensation or spilled liquid may be easily wiped off.
  • a further advantage is that the sensing surface is closer to the user's finger, providing greater sensitivity and accuracy.
  • a still further advantage of the trace carrier is that, since the sensing surface of the touch sensitive element is raised, it provides tactile feedback as to the location of the sensing surface. This has benefit when visual feedback is impaired. Examples include when the sensor is located on the rear or side of an electronic device, when a device is operated in poor lighting, when the user is visually impaired, etc.
  • the sensing surface of the trace carrier is planar, or nearly so.
  • the disclosure is not limited to planar sensing surfaces and non-planar, three-dimensional, sensing surfaces may be used without departing from the present disclosure.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Theoretical Computer Science (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Human Computer Interaction (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Computer Hardware Design (AREA)
  • Switches That Are Operated By Magnetic Or Electric Fields (AREA)
  • Electronic Switches (AREA)
  • Position Input By Displaying (AREA)

Claims (13)

  1. Ein kapazitiver Berührungssensor für ein elektronisches Gerät (500), beinhaltend:
    einen Leiterbahnträger (100), der eine Erfassungsoberfläche (108) und eine entgegengesetzte Verbindungsoberfläche (202) aufweist, die miteinander durch eine erste und eine zweite Seitenoberfläche verbunden sind;
    eine Vielzahl von elektrisch leitenden Leiterbahnen (102, 104) auf dem Leiterbahnträger, beinhaltend mindestens eine Übertragungsleiterbahn (102) und eine entsprechende Empfangsleiterbahn (104), wobei die Übertragungsleiterbahn (102) mit der entsprechenden Empfangsleiterbahn (104) auf der Erfassungsoberfläche (108) ein kapazitives Erfassungsmuster bildet und die Übertragungsleiterbahn (102) und die Empfangsleiterbahn (104) entlang der ersten Seitenoberfläche bzw. der zweiten Seitenoberfläche des Leiterbahnträgers (100) von der Erfassungsoberfläche (108) zu der entgegengesetzten Verbindungsoberfläche (202) verlaufen, um an der Verbindungsoberfläche (202) Verbindungspunkte zu bilden; und
    eine kapazitive Erfassungsschaltung (504), die für Folgendes betriebsfähig ist:
    elektrisches Koppeln mit den Verbindungspunkten der Übertragungs- und Empfangsleiterbahnen (102, 104) an der Verbindungsoberfläche (202) des Leiterbahnträgers (100);
    Erfassen einer Kapazitätsänderung zwischen den Übertragungs- und Empfangsleiterbahnen (102, 104); und
    Bestimmen einer Berührungsposition auf der Erfassungsoberfläche in Abhängigkeit von der erfassten Kapazitätsänderung.
  2. Kapazitiver Berührungssensor gemäß Anspruch 1, ferner beinhaltend eine Verbindungsstruktur (302), die für Folgendes konfiguriert ist:
    In-Kontakt-Stehen mit den Übertragungs- und Empfangsleiterbahnen (102, 104) an den Verbindungspunkten auf der Verbindungsoberfläche (202); und
    Bereitstellen von elektrischen Verbindungen zwischen der kapazitiven Erfassungsschaltung (504) und den Übertragungs- und Empfangsleiterbahnen (102, 104).
  3. Kapazitiver Berührungssensor gemäß Anspruch 2, wobei die Verbindungsstruktur (302) eine gedruckte Schaltung beinhaltet und wobei der Leiterbahnträger (100) mechanisch mit der gedruckten Schaltung gekoppelt ist.
  4. Kapazitiver Berührungssensor gemäß Anspruch 1, wobei der Leiterbahnträger (100) einen Steg beinhaltet.
  5. Kapazitiver Berührungssensor gemäß Anspruch 1, ferner beinhaltend eine Abdeckung, die mindestens die Erfassungsoberfläche (108) des Leiterbahnträgers (100) überdeckt.
  6. Kapazitiver Berührungssensor gemäß Anspruch 1, ferner beinhaltend eine Beschichtung, die mindestens die Erfassungsoberfläche des Leiterbahnträgers überdeckt.
  7. Kapazitiver Berührungssensor gemäß Anspruch 1, wobei der Leiterbahnträger (100) ein Material beinhaltet, das für Laserdirektstrukturierung empfänglich ist, und wobei die Leiterbahnen (102, 104) durch einen Laserdirektstrukturierungsprozess gebildet sind.
  8. Eine Eingabevorrichtung für ein elektronisches Gerät (500), beinhaltend:
    eine Tastatur, die ein oder mehrere Tastenkappen (604) beinhaltet;
    eine Verbindungsstruktur (302), die unter der Tastatur liegt;
    einen oder mehrere kapazitive Berührungssensoren gemäß Anspruch 1, wobei sich der Leiterbahnträger (100) jedes des einen oder der mehreren kapazitiven Berührungssensoren auf der Verbindungsstruktur (302) neben Tastenkappen (604) der Tastatur befindet, sodass die Erfassungsoberfläche (108) des Leiterbahnträgers (100) über die Verbindungsstruktur (302) vorsteht und die entgegengesetzte Verbindungsoberfläche (202) des Leiterbahnträgers (100) mit der Verbindungsstruktur (302) in Eingriff steht.
  9. Eingabevorrichtung gemäß Anspruch 8, wobei die Verbindungsstruktur eine flexible gedruckte Schaltung beinhaltet.
  10. Eingabevorrichtung gemäß Anspruch 8, wobei die eine oder die mehreren Tastenkappen eine Vielzahl von Tastenkappen beinhalten, die in Reihen angeordnet sind, und wobei mindestens ein Leiterbahnträger (100) des einen oder der mehreren kapazitiven Berührungssensoren einen Steg (100) beinhaltet, der bemessen ist, um zwischen Reihen von Tastenkappen zu passen.
  11. Ein elektronisches Gerät (500), beinhaltend einen kapazitiven Berührungssensor gemäß Anspruch 1 oder eine Eingabevorrichtung gemäß Anspruch 8.
  12. Elektronisches Gerät gemäß Anspruch 11, wobei sich der Leiterbahnträger (100) auf einer Seite des elektronischen Geräts befindet.
  13. Elektronisches Gerät gemäß Anspruch 11, ferner beinhaltend einen Geräteprozessor (508), der auf die erfasste Kapazität reagiert und betriebsfähig ist, um eine oder mehrere Berührungspositionen auf der mechanischen Tastatur der Eingabevorrichtung zu bestimmen.
EP15840340.2A 2014-09-08 2015-09-04 Kapazitiver berührungssensor Active EP3195476B1 (de)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US14/479,609 US9696860B2 (en) 2014-09-08 2014-09-08 Capacitive touch sensor
PCT/CA2015/050851 WO2016037268A1 (en) 2014-09-08 2015-09-04 Capacitive touch sensor

Publications (3)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP3195476A1 EP3195476A1 (de) 2017-07-26
EP3195476A4 EP3195476A4 (de) 2018-08-01
EP3195476B1 true EP3195476B1 (de) 2022-02-16

Family

ID=55437502

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP15840340.2A Active EP3195476B1 (de) 2014-09-08 2015-09-04 Kapazitiver berührungssensor

Country Status (4)

Country Link
US (1) US9696860B2 (de)
EP (1) EP3195476B1 (de)
CA (1) CA2960302C (de)
WO (1) WO2016037268A1 (de)

Families Citing this family (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US10288658B2 (en) * 2017-02-02 2019-05-14 Texas Instruments Incorporated Enhancing sensitivity and robustness of mechanical rotation and position detection with capacitive sensors
US10449721B2 (en) 2017-10-11 2019-10-22 Deborah D. L. Chung Systems and method for monitoring three-dimensional printing
US10955934B2 (en) * 2018-09-05 2021-03-23 Apple Inc. Remote capacitive interface

Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20130056243A1 (en) * 2011-09-07 2013-03-07 Samsung Electro-Mechanics Co., Ltd. Display device including touch panel
US20140092322A1 (en) * 2012-10-01 2014-04-03 Young Lighting Technology Inc. Touch panel

Family Cites Families (17)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4314116A (en) * 1980-06-23 1982-02-02 Rogers Corporation Keyboard switch with graphic overlay
US5650597A (en) 1995-01-20 1997-07-22 Dynapro Systems, Inc. Capacitive touch sensor
DE19723734C2 (de) 1997-06-06 2002-02-07 Gerhard Naundorf Leiterbahnstrukturen auf einem nichtleitenden Trägermaterial und Verfahren zu ihrer Herstellung
DE10132092A1 (de) 2001-07-05 2003-01-23 Lpkf Laser & Electronics Ag Leiterbahnstrukturen und Verfahren zu ihrer Herstellung
US6961049B2 (en) 2002-06-21 2005-11-01 3M Innovative Properties Company Capacitive touch sensor architecture with unique sensor bar addressing
US20060097992A1 (en) * 2004-10-25 2006-05-11 Motorola, Inc. Apparatus and method of determining a user selection in a user interface
US20090040191A1 (en) * 2007-08-08 2009-02-12 Synaptics Incorporated Capacitive touch sensor with conductive trace lines in bonding region
US8558796B2 (en) 2009-05-07 2013-10-15 Headwater Partners Ii Llc Overlay keyboard for touch screen devices
US8884901B2 (en) * 2011-07-19 2014-11-11 Touch Graphics, Inc. Shaped capacitive touch sensor, devices, and methods of use
US10044353B2 (en) * 2011-08-10 2018-08-07 Atmel Corporation Substantially edgeless touch sensor
US20130100030A1 (en) * 2011-10-19 2013-04-25 Oleg Los Keypad apparatus having proximity and pressure sensing
JP2013111804A (ja) * 2011-11-28 2013-06-10 Toray Advanced Film Co Ltd ハードコートフィルムおよびタッチパネル
JP6004427B2 (ja) * 2012-06-21 2016-10-05 株式会社ワコム 指示体操作検出装置
US9443672B2 (en) * 2012-07-09 2016-09-13 Apple Inc. Patterned conductive traces in molded elastomere substrate
US9285837B2 (en) 2012-08-24 2016-03-15 Blackberry Limited Temporary keyboard having some individual keys that provide varying levels of capacitive coupling to a touch-sensitive display
US9087663B2 (en) * 2012-09-19 2015-07-21 Blackberry Limited Keypad apparatus for use with electronic devices and related methods
US9001082B1 (en) * 2013-09-27 2015-04-07 Sensel, Inc. Touch sensor detector system and method

Patent Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20130056243A1 (en) * 2011-09-07 2013-03-07 Samsung Electro-Mechanics Co., Ltd. Display device including touch panel
US20140092322A1 (en) * 2012-10-01 2014-04-03 Young Lighting Technology Inc. Touch panel

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
CA2960302A1 (en) 2016-03-17
CA2960302C (en) 2020-03-10
EP3195476A4 (de) 2018-08-01
WO2016037268A1 (en) 2016-03-17
EP3195476A1 (de) 2017-07-26
US9696860B2 (en) 2017-07-04
US20160070379A1 (en) 2016-03-10

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
KR100647375B1 (ko) 이동 전화 키매트 아래에 배치되는 근접감지형 터치패드시스템
US7808487B2 (en) System for disposing a proximity sensitive touchpad behind a mobile phone keymat
US7151528B2 (en) System for disposing a proximity sensitive touchpad behind a mobile phone keypad
US6943705B1 (en) Method and apparatus for providing an integrated membrane switch and capacitive sensor
US9563317B2 (en) Capacitive control panel
US8866755B2 (en) Touch-controlled electronic apparatus and related assembly method
TWI382328B (zh) Input device and manufacturing method thereof
US9423836B2 (en) Super-slim touch keyboard and super-slim cover device for smart keyboard having the same
EP2053490A1 (de) Eingabetafel und tragbares elektronisches Gerät damit
CN103052929A (zh) 利用接近传感器的移动检测装置及移动检测方法
US8119938B2 (en) Touch keypad assembly
US20110181445A1 (en) Key sheet
US20110181514A1 (en) Touch keypad for touch screen devices
EP3195476B1 (de) Kapazitiver berührungssensor
KR100718988B1 (ko) 전자기기의 입력장치
KR100894250B1 (ko) 정전용량식 입력/표시 장치
KR101583827B1 (ko) 입력 장치
CN101751164B (zh) 具多输入信息的微型触控装置
KR100718987B1 (ko) 전자기기의 입력장치
JP2002157063A (ja) 電子機器用多方向スイッチシステム及びそれを用いた電子機器
KR100867607B1 (ko) 정전용량식 입력장치
CN106095137A (zh) 双水平面盆体的顶装型点击板模块
KR20110095044A (ko) 포인팅 모듈 및 그 제조 방법
KR20150115520A (ko) 정전방식 터치스크린 구동 키패드
KR20110095048A (ko) 포인팅 모듈 및 그 제조 방법

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: THE INTERNATIONAL PUBLICATION HAS BEEN MADE

PUAI Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: REQUEST FOR EXAMINATION WAS MADE

17P Request for examination filed

Effective date: 20170213

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR

AX Request for extension of the european patent

Extension state: BA ME

DAV Request for validation of the european patent (deleted)
DAX Request for extension of the european patent (deleted)
RIC1 Information provided on ipc code assigned before grant

Ipc: H05K 1/16 20060101ALI20180320BHEP

Ipc: G06F 3/044 20060101ALI20180320BHEP

Ipc: H03K 17/96 20060101AFI20180320BHEP

A4 Supplementary search report drawn up and despatched

Effective date: 20180702

RIC1 Information provided on ipc code assigned before grant

Ipc: H05K 1/16 20060101ALI20180626BHEP

Ipc: G06F 3/044 20060101ALI20180626BHEP

Ipc: H03K 17/96 20060101AFI20180626BHEP

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: EXAMINATION IS IN PROGRESS

17Q First examination report despatched

Effective date: 20200306

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: EXAMINATION IS IN PROGRESS

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R079

Ref document number: 602015076988

Country of ref document: DE

Free format text: PREVIOUS MAIN CLASS: H03K0017960000

Ipc: G06F0001160000

GRAP Despatch of communication of intention to grant a patent

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR1

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: GRANT OF PATENT IS INTENDED

RIC1 Information provided on ipc code assigned before grant

Ipc: G06F 3/044 20060101ALI20210923BHEP

Ipc: H03K 17/96 20060101ALI20210923BHEP

Ipc: G06F 3/02 20060101ALI20210923BHEP

Ipc: G06F 1/16 20060101AFI20210923BHEP

INTG Intention to grant announced

Effective date: 20211027

GRAS Grant fee paid

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR3

GRAA (expected) grant

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009210

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: THE PATENT HAS BEEN GRANTED

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: B1

Designated state(s): AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: GB

Ref legal event code: FG4D

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: EP

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R096

Ref document number: 602015076988

Country of ref document: DE

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: AT

Ref legal event code: REF

Ref document number: 1469296

Country of ref document: AT

Kind code of ref document: T

Effective date: 20220315

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: IE

Ref legal event code: FG4D

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: LT

Ref legal event code: MG9D

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: NL

Ref legal event code: MP

Effective date: 20220216

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: AT

Ref legal event code: MK05

Ref document number: 1469296

Country of ref document: AT

Kind code of ref document: T

Effective date: 20220216

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: SE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20220216

Ref country code: RS

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20220216

Ref country code: PT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20220616

Ref country code: NO

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20220516

Ref country code: NL

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20220216

Ref country code: LT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20220216

Ref country code: HR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20220216

Ref country code: ES

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20220216

Ref country code: BG

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20220516

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: PL

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20220216

Ref country code: LV

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20220216

Ref country code: GR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20220517

Ref country code: FI

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20220216

Ref country code: AT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20220216

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: IS

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20220617

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: SM

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20220216

Ref country code: SK

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20220216

Ref country code: RO

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20220216

Ref country code: EE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20220216

Ref country code: DK

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20220216

Ref country code: CZ

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20220216

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R097

Ref document number: 602015076988

Country of ref document: DE

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: AL

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20220216

PLBE No opposition filed within time limit

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009261

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: NO OPPOSITION FILED WITHIN TIME LIMIT

26N No opposition filed

Effective date: 20221117

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: SI

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20220216

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: MC

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20220216

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: PL

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: BE

Ref legal event code: MM

Effective date: 20220930

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: LU

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20220904

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: LI

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20220930

Ref country code: IT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20220216

Ref country code: IE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20220904

Ref country code: CH

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20220930

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: BE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20220930

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: GB

Payment date: 20230927

Year of fee payment: 9

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: FR

Payment date: 20230925

Year of fee payment: 9

Ref country code: DE

Payment date: 20230927

Year of fee payment: 9

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: HU

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT; INVALID AB INITIO

Effective date: 20150904

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: CY

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20220216

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R082

Ref document number: 602015076988

Country of ref document: DE

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R081

Ref document number: 602015076988

Country of ref document: DE

Owner name: MALIKIE INNOVATIONS LTD., IE

Free format text: FORMER OWNER: BLACKBERRY LIMITED, WATERLOO, ON, CA

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: MK

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20220216